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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
New Deal Violin
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

New Deal Violin

Artifact IDMO 1953.746
Object Type Violin
Maker (American, 1893 - 1971)
Date1945-1947
Mediumwood, paint on wood, metal, string, paper
Dimensionsobject (violin) H 24 3/4 in x W 8 1/4 in x D 3 in (62.9 cm x 21 cm x 7.6 cm )
box/case H 31 1/2 in x W 10 in x D 5 in (80 cm x 25.4 cm x 12.7 cm )

Physical DescriptionA handmade violin. The wooden scroll has been carved and painted into a likeness of Franklin D. Roosevelt's head. On the reverse, a painting of the U.S. Capitol Building decorates the body of the violin. A paper label mounted inside the violin reads: New Deal Violin / Hand Made By / JOHN E. TRUMBLE / 1946". The bridge of the violin was made in France.

There is no accompanying bow.

The violin comes in a brown leather hard-shell case lined in green fabric. A separate green velvet cloth, for protecting the violin, is inside the case.
Historical NoteJohn E. Trumble of Center, Texas designed this “New Deal Violin” as a tribute to President Roosevelt. It was presented by him to the FDR Library on August 5, 1952.
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of John E. Trumble
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Not on view